El Nido Shenanigan Day 2

The weather wasn't on our side that day. But that didn't prevent us from continuing the scheduled itinerary. We decided to take tour C,the farthest among the other destination (which also explains why the rate is higher at Php 900 with free lunch.

First stop: Helicopter Island 

According to our tour guide, the island looks like a helicopter, that's why it was coined as such...hmmm..it looks like a janitor fish rather than a helicopter to me..hehehe. This island is also a snorkeling site, with rich marine life.

Just an FYI, the island was also featured in the Bourne Legacy movie.

The three of us, in full geared costume, photo-ops in the water.












Second Stop: Matinloc Shrine

The second site was for viewing purposes. The shrine was taken built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Be warned, there are a lot of mosquitoes in the area, insect repellant is a must. According to our tour guide, the island is a heart-shaped, if viewed from the top.


 




And as we continually roam around the shrine and reaching the top, I just can't help but marvel on the the view. I was wishing that the weather had cooperated that day and could the sun had shown, it would be twice as much as the scenery, with blue waters as the background. Nonetheless, the view is still undegraded.





Third Stop: Talisay Island 

Lunch time! wohoo! The island was coined as such from the only tree that grows on the island. Another snorkeling site as well, while our guide is preparing our lunch. The lime stone formations were high, another magnificent view. It was a good thing that the sun came out during lunch, another session for sun worship.

I was again amazed by the talent of our guides as they personally do the garnishing and presentation stuff to make the more food enticing...aaah, fresh fruits, fresh fish..yum..again, bring your own bottled water as it is not part of the package.






Fourth Stop: Secret Beach

After lunch, we were informed by our guide that we won't push through to Secret Beach as the waves are treacherous during the moonsoon season (how I wish it was summer), aside from that, the site is also facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), so technically, we are now on the open sea. Despite the warning, our guide said that we'll just look into it anyway if the waves aren't that big.

Well, we should've listened to the warning. The waves were "unfriendly", and at this time, I'm strapping my life jacket with me (whatever, be better be safe than sorry). I thought that we would dock on a shallow area, but i was wrong! When our guide told us that we are already on the site, I was wondering where the beach. Our guide told us that we have to swim to the rocks, and there's a tiny opening which serves as the entrance to the beach. Yikes, and double yikes!!! Considering the unfriendly waters, strong current, and the not so pleasant velvety black water ( I hate the color of the water, it must be very deep), the decision was unanimous - no one wanted to swim, and I was also cringing to proceed to a different island. That was a good scare.

Fifth Stop: Colasa Beach

Our tour guide decided to go to another island to complete the tour since we weren't able to explore Secret Beach. This time, our next stop was at Colasa Beach, another snorkeling site. I would say that by far, this snorkeling site is better. The area is private, but tourists can go near the shore but have to dock somewhere farther.

We've prepared some food come fish feeding. We anticipated the moment, and again, it has far exceeded our expectations. 
The school of fishes were bigger than usual (a little bit scary), seems like they would attack you, in a frenzy I should say, a little bit "greedy".

And yes, not only did i found Nemo but I found his dad as well. Maybe, that's why I love this site better than any other.

Last Stop: Hidden Beach

My heart breaks every time we'd come to our final tour of the day. Seems like I needed more time to explore the island. Every scenery is breath-taking. I just observed that the places we went, if not secret, then its hidden. I'm wondering if there's any other island that yet needs to be explored. Hidden Beach is literally hidden, you have to swim all the way between the limestone formations to get to the site. No worries as the water is just shallow...hihihi


After a few meters of swimming...behold... the Hidden Beach. I find the place beach to be a little bit eerie. Maybe its just me or what not, but what if I would be left behind by our others...I would be stuck by then as I could not be seen by rescuers..LOL! 

Aside from that, beyond the white sand is a thick vegetation. I can hear crickets and all sorts of unidentified creatures in the area. 


Nonetheless, the site still amazes me. Every picture taken is worth all the memories. The limestone formations are epic. I thought that I could just see them in magazines or in the movies, and I just couldn't believe that the beauty of the place unfolds in my very own eyes.

Even though the sun didn't completely cooperated with us on this day, we still managed to complete the tour.

Second day budget, let me see how far it goes:

Day 3	Friday
900	Tour A
65	Breakfast
10	bread for fish feeding
11	bottled water contribution
60	dinner
34	snacks
1080	Total